Metro Manila, Philippines – A written order from the president is preferable to carry out the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO), Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Marcos announced the directive during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), which also directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to see to it that POGOs wind down operations until year-end.
“‘Yung sinabi ng presidente sa SONA, by itself is already an order, although not in writing… Baka it would be a lot better kung ang Office of the President ay mag-issue ng kaukulang executive order or administrative order para ma-i-set out or ma-i-set forth ang mga parameters para sa transition,” Guevarra told NewsWatch Plus.
[Translation: What the president said during the SONA, by itself, is already an order, although not in writing… Maybe it would be a lot better if the Office of the President would issue an executive order or administrative order to set the parameters for the transition.]
The top government lawyer said parameters would be beneficial as the ban will involve assets, workers, and corporations.
Pending a written order from the chief executive, Guevarra said concerned agencies such Pagcor may begin carrying out the ban.
“Kung ano man ‘yung kailangan n’yong i-revoke or i-modify, ‘yung mga ganu’n, pwede nang gawin din independently by these agencies under the policy na binitiwan ng presidente nung SONA,” he said.
[Translation: Whatever needs to be revoked or modified, it can be done independently under the policy that the president declared during the SONA.]
Marcos cited the negative impact of POGOs such as money laundering, kidnapping, human trafficking, and even murder that outweighs potential revenue losses.
